The Tree of Hope charity

Founded in 1992 by Corinne Gardener, originally to serve families in Bexhill, East Sussex, Tree of Hope has grown into a national charity, helping children and young people across the UK and Ireland access essential healthcare that isn't readily available via the NHS and social care.

- Edited by MATT NIXSON & HANNA GEISSLER

Georgie Lowry, head of marketing and family support at the charity, says: “Every day in the UK families of seriously ill or disabled children face the harsh realities of an overstretched healthcare system. From the high cost of specialist treatments to waiting times for essential services, the barriers are many and the consequences for the child's health can be devastating.”